By Christian ABURIME
Anambra State this Thursday hosted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in a historic visit marked by the commissioning of several major projects executed by the Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration
The President’s visit—the first by a sitting Nigerian leader to Anambra in over a decade—was both symbolic and practical, underscoring federal recognition of Soludo’s development agenda.
President Tinubu commissioned the new Government House and Governor’s Lodge, described as a mini city within a city; the Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, the 8-Lane Aroma–Government House Boulevard, and the Solution Fun City, a one-stop location for leisure and entertainment that caters to the needs of all ages, social classes and gender. It houses a water park, family fun house, country club, and amusement park facilities.
He also unveiled monuments in honour of five Anambra-born national heroes.
In his welcome address, Governor Soludo praised the president for his “courageous and systematic” economic reforms that are already setting the country on a recovery path.
“We know the state of Nigeria’s economy with all its unsustainable dysfunctionalities when you assumed office. You had the courage to tame the Atlantic Ocean in Lagos, and now, you’re courageously and systematically getting the economy to work again,” Soludo said.
“There’s still a lot of work to do, we know, but there’s no doubt that in less than two years, important building blocks are already falling into place. We urge you, Mr. President, to stay the course.”
The Governor, who is leading a transformation drive in Anambra aimed at turning it into the “African Dubai-Taiwan-Silicon Valley,” said the projects commissioned by the president were part of a long-term development blueprint. He emphasized the importance of synergy between Awka and Abuja in tackling major issues like gully erosion, road infrastructure, and the revitalization of the Onitsha River Port.
Responding, President Tinubu commended Governor Soludo for his leadership and developmental strides.
“I am honoured to be here. I commend my friend, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who is a visionary and competent leader for the work he has been doing in Anambra State,” the President said.
The President used the occasion to speak candidly about the challenges his administration inherited, particularly unsustainable fuel subsidies, a chaotic forex regime, and dwindling public revenue.
“We met a near-insolvent public finance, decades-old monster of unsustainable multiple subsidies, and a chaotic forex regime. Like we tamed the Atlantic in Lagos, many of these monsters have been wrestled down,” he declared.
The President also acknowledged the state’s marginalisation in the national rail plan and promised corrective steps, including integrating Anambra into the national gas infrastructure network.
On the environment, the President described Anambra as “the gully erosion capital of the world” and assured of renewed federal efforts to tackle ecological degradation in the Southeast.
The President was also honoured by traditional rulers in the state with the chieftaincy title “Dike si-mba Anambra.”
Expressing deep appreciation, he said:
“Today is not only historic but one which I will forever treasure for the rest of my life.”
The high-profile event was attended by key dignitaries, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; Governors Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Alex Otti (Abia); Deputy Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu as well as Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.
The visit capped a day of celebration and mutual pledges for deepening federal-state relations in pursuit of Nigeria’s economic and infrastructural renewal.
